NRC Beefs Up Rules for Guarding Radioactive Stuff Better
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating rules to better protect big amounts of radioactive material, called Category 1 and 2. These changes affect companies handling this material, making security stronger and clearer. Comments on the new rules are open until May 11, 2026, and the updates could mean some new costs but safer handling overall.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Eliminate 10-Year Reinvestigations
The rule would remove the requirement that individuals with unescorted access undergo a 10-year reinvestigation. The NRC estimates this change would save industry approximately $5,361,108 over a 10-year period.
Refresher Training Every 3 Years
Refresher security training would change from at least once every 12 months to at least once every 3 years (and when significant security changes occur). The NRC estimates combined industry savings of about $70,875,567 over 10 years from this change.
Drop Weekly Checks for Category 2 Material
The proposed rule would remove the requirement that licensees possessing Category 2 quantities verify the material's presence weekly. This change would affect an estimated 700 licensees and the NRC projects about $32,068,400 in industry savings over 10 years (about $4,581 per affected licensee per year).
Allow Key Removal / Modern Vehicle Keys
The rule would remove the current prohibition on relying on key removal to immobilize vehicles containing mobile devices with Category 1 or 2 material and would allow use of modern transponder or electronic fob technologies. The NRC estimates this change would affect about 319 licensees that operate mobile fleets.
Stop Sending Reviewing-Official Certifications
Licensees would no longer have to transmit trustworthiness-and-reliability certifications for designated reviewing officials to the NRC. The NRC estimates about 11 total certifications are submitted each year and projects combined savings of $23,911 over 10 years from removing this paperwork burden.
LLEA Coordination Every 3 Years
Licensees would only need to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies at least once every 3 years instead of at least once every 12 months, unless facility changes increase vulnerability. The NRC estimates about $1,184,010 in industry savings over 10 years from this change.
Remove Equipment Maintenance Program Requirement
The NRC would remove the requirement that licensees implement a maintenance and testing program for intrusion alarms and related security equipment, and would remove the associated training requirement. The NRC estimates combined industry savings of about $1,691,443 over 10 years, approximately $176 per licensee per year.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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